How our food bank works

What is a food bank?

Food banks provide emergency food and practical support to people who have been left without enough money to live on.  

People also get emotional support, and a reminder that they are not alone and someone understands. Our volunteers offer a friendly face and basic kindness. For many people, it’s the first time someone has sat down and listened to them – especially when they have been worn down by the way our social security system currently works.

What is a food voucher?

A food voucher is required to get help from a food bank. Community organisations such as housing associations, GPs and advice charities can provide a referral for a food voucher, which is then exchanged for a food parcel at our foodbank.

Find out how and where to get a food voucher

Please note: Only three vouchers per client can be fulfilled in a six month period, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

We would never want to turn away anyone who needs a food parcel but we would also not want to be in the position where in giving someone a fourth food parcel it meant someone was not able to receive a first one. We have needed to make this difficult decision to enable us to help as many people as possible, whilst monitoring our food stock levels.

Please remember we supply emergency food parcels, enough for three days and are not able to top up someone’s food stocks nor can we be used as a supermarket.

More than food

We offer holistic support and advice to people, often at their toughest moment, in two ways: through funding advisers at our food bank, and through other external advice services.

This wraparound approach connects people with wider support and puts more money into their pockets, making it far less likely someone will need a food bank in the future. 

Who runs food banks?

Our food bank is run by the local community, for the local community. From trustees through to volunteers, our team is made up of local people committed to providing support across the area.

Our food bank is an independent charity, with an independent board of trustees.